Billy came up behind her, drawing his arms around her waist and pulling her back into his chest. When he lowered his head she felt the gravelly feel of his beard, which always tickled.
“I didn’t know your mother would make you feel like this.”
Brooke sighed deeply. “It’s not so much her as it is The Holidays. But they’re so closely intertwined I can’t tell the difference anymore.”
“Why do the holidays make you so nervous?”
Right. She hadn’t talked to him about it, and didn’t want to. Billy wouldn’t understand. In a way he was like Santa. A really hot Santa. “They’ve never been a good time of the year for me. Bad luck, I guess.”
He turned her around in his arms so she faced him. “We’re going to change that this year, aren’t we?”
In that moment, she realized that more than anything she wanted this year to be different. So far the past two months had been some of the best of her life. She had a dream job, lived on a vineyard, and had a guy that made her heart do somersaults just by smiling.
“Okay, Billy.”
“What do you want to wear?” He practically whispered in her ear. It sounded so much like when he asked ‘does that feel good, baby?’ and ‘do you like that?’ that Brooke’s spine tingled.
“I want to wear my boots, but those are leather which means a cow died for them, and also they cost me an insane amount of money.”
“Is the price tag still on them?”
“Don’t be silly.”
“Wear them. And as much as I’d like to see you in nothing but your boots, let’s wait until later for that. What will you wear with the boots?”
She turned around to meet his smile. He was right. She was going to wear what she wanted. Brooke settled on her little black dress with matching black knee-high boots.
They picked up Mom, who didn’t make a single comment about Billy’s convertible. Probably because it was a hybrid.
Instead she made light conversation with Billy about baseball and the World Series. Brooke didn’t even know Mom knew anything about baseball, much less the actual name of the team that won it. Naturally the conversation changed as they pulled up to Eileen’s home. ‘Home’ wasn’t quite the word. Mansion on steroids more like it.
“It must cost a small fortune to water this lawn and keep it this green,” Mom said.
“Mom, please,” Brooke hissed when Billy got out of the car.
“I’m only stating the obvious,” Mom said and then turned to Billy when he opened the door for her, “We use some wonderful new irrigation methods at the farm. Maybe you’d be interested.”
If he was surprised to discuss irrigation systems before Thanksgiving dinner, he gave no indication. “I’d love to hear it sometime, Melinda.”
Sure he would, because that’s what they’d all like to do tonight. Talk irrigation systems. They had a great one at the vineyard, and neither one of them could talk about it for long without their eyes glazing over.
Eileen met them at the door, and the smells of turkey and stuffing wafted out to greet them. “Come in. So nice to see you, Melinda. How’s the farm? Wallace is already here. We’re just waiting for Scott. And don’t worry, Billy, we have plenty of real turkey and mashed potatoes because I do realize some people have a death wish.”
“Thanks, Ma. You know me. Life on the edge.” Billy smiled.
Brooke followed Mom inside, feeling suddenly nervous. As though he might realize it, she felt Billy put his hand on the small of her back and guide her inside.
If ever there were a home that split the line between extravagant and homey, Eileen’s fit the bill.
Rich and expensive-looking tapestries stood in stark contrast to family photos everywhere —from Billy pitching at a Sliders game to Scott in his Army fatigues. A photo of Wallace in front of a large cabin, and dozens of photos of Pop with the boys. Very few of Eileen, but one photo of her sitting like the Queen Bee between her three boys. Billy looked to be about thirteen in that photo. That young face devilish and happy, the way she remembered him. He always seemed to be smiling.
Eileen led them into the large and open family room with floor to ceiling windows, and Brooke’s breath hitched when she saw Giancarlo alone in the corner.
“What’s Giancarlo doing here?” Billy asked no one in particular.
Eileen wrung her hands together. “Ah, well, I thought you might like to have someone in the business. Good conversation.”
“Hey, thanks Mom. Great idea. Isn’t it, Brooke?” Billy’s arm lingered around her waist.
“Great.” Brooke could use a few minutes alone with Giancarlo, but this was not the time or the place. Too late anyway, as Billy walked right over to Giancarlo and began to chat.
Eileen pulled Brooke to the side. “You have to help me get rid of him.”
“Get rid of him? But why?” If anything, this was an issue for Brooke to worry about. Eileen had done nothing wrong, unless you counted poor impulse control but Brooke wasn’t in any position to judge.
“The fool has come up with the most outlandish idea. He wants to marry me.”
Brooke nearly choked on her own spit. “M-m-marry you?”
Eileen leaned in closer to whisper. “He said it’s the honorable thing to do, and that he’s afraid he’s disrespected me.”
Brooke covered her mouth to avoid cussing. This was turning out to be far worse than she could have anticipated. Ever the gentleman, Giancarlo would now want make an honest woman out of Eileen. If only someone would drag the gentle Italian into the twenty-first century.
“Okay. Here’s what we’re going to do. I believe we can count on him to be discreet, so no need to worry on that account. He’ll keep his mouth shut. Let me talk to him.”
“Thank you. I can’t deal with a lovesick gentleman caller, although it is kind of nice. But I have potatoes to whip and butter to melt. A turkey to baste. Marriage is not part of tonight’s agenda.” Eileen recited the items off while she threw occasional lustful glances in Giancarlo’s direction.
Brooke took a deep breath and flew into crisis mode. She caught sight of Mom, under Pop’s spell. Laughing, even. That seemed under control for now.
She moved to join Billy, still talking to Giancarlo, less that situation veer wildly off course. Surely Giancarlo would not think to confide in Eileen’s son, nor ask for her hand in marriage. No, that would be highly irregular.
Brooke sidled up next to Billy, and he threaded his fingers through hers without missing a beat. It didn’t take two seconds to realize the men were talking grapes. Thank heavens for that. She gazed up at Billy, amazed at how much he’d learned in the past two months.
The past few late nights they’d spent in front of his fireplace tasting different vintages— encouraging him to develop a sophisticated palate— they were beginning to make a difference.
“Who’s carving this year?” Wallace asked. “I forget.”
“I probably should,” Giancarlo said and both Wallace and Billy stared at Giancarlo like he’d just said the world was flat.
Brooke swallowed.
The men went on as if Giancarlo had been overcome by a spell.
“Odd years it’s Scott’s turn, and even years Wallace and I toss a coin,” Billy explained to Brooke.
“Guess it’s coin tossing time,” Wallace said, pulling a quarter out of his pocket. “Heads or tails?”
Brooke pulled Giancarlo aside while the coin tossing was going on. “How’ve you been?’
Giancarlo pulled out a perfectly folded handkerchief from his pocket and wiped his brow. “I’m a little nervous.”
Brooke played dumb. “Oh yeah? Why?”
Giancarlo leaned in. “Between you and me, I’ve proposed to Eileen.”
“So soon?”
“When its right you know. I’ve waited a long time to find a woman good enough to replace my blessed late wife, but it’s finally time.”
“Did she say yes?” Brooke turned to see Billy had won the coin toss. So
me amount of ribbing went on between the brothers.
“Well, not exactly. She looked a little bit surprised and then she said she had to beat the potatoes.”
Brooke cleared her throat. “I’m sure she didn’t expect it. Maybe you should take it slower. You had one date.”
“Three dates now, actually. But we’re very compatible, believe me. And what’s done is done. It’s my fault, really.”
Brooke didn’t want to go there, but maybe speaking in euphemisms might work. “Nothing is done. You don’t have to buy the cow because you had some steak. Do you get me?”
He smiled and narrowed his eyes. “Why are you talking about cows?”
Brooke sighed. “I just think that Billy and his brothers might need a little time getting used to the idea. They don’t even know you two are dating. Can you imagine how a marriage would go over with them? They’re a protective bunch. Why not ease into it? Maybe first you could tell them you’re dating. Wait a few months, and then tell them you’re engaged.”
The doorbell rang and out of the corner of her eye Brooke saw Billy open the door to Scott and his date. A few days ago Brooke had caught Scott giving free tastings out of tank number ten to a pretty blonde, and solved the mystery of the leaky tank. Another thing Brooke would have to talk to Billy about regarding his family. Scott couldn’t bring women around to sample the wine, family business or not. Yeah, she’d told Scott that when she’d caught him red-handed, but he’d only smiled with that trademark Turlock grin. Told her he preferred beer, but when in Rome ... He didn’t take her seriously, of course, and why would he? She wasn’t the owner.
Tonight he was here with — no.
When Billy’s big body was no longer blocking the way, Brooke noticed Fallon. Dressed casually in jeans tucked into the long Dominatrix boots that were like Brooke’s.
And as much as Brooke would try to enjoy The Holidays this year, throwing her lover’s gorgeous ex into the mix might be a little more than she could handle stone cold sober.
She tried to ignore the pang of red hot jealousy churning through her gut when Fallon and Billy hugged. Fallon lingering a little too long, and whispering something into Billy’s ear.
“Wine?” Giancarlo handed Brooke a glass which she couldn’t accept fast enough.
Fruity and nutty. Way too sweet for a red wine, so obviously a port of some kind. Mirassu didn’t do port. “Who bottles it?”
“From my collection. Aged since 1960, a very good year for me. I brought it since tonight is such a special occasion. Thanksgiving, and the day I proposed to Eileen.”
Brooke swallowed hard, and Giancarlo walked away, an idiotic smile on his face.
“Hey Brooke,” Fallon said as she strutted over. “Like my boots? I know you do.”
“Nice touch, wearing those tonight. Are you hoping someone here will notice and want to collect fifty dollars?”
Scott joined them, a beer in each hand, and handed one to Fallon. “You two getting reacquainted?”
Fallon smiled and Brooke tried to paste one on her frozen face.
“Brooke’s the general manager at Billy and Pop’s vineyard. She’s the bomb,” Scott said with a grin.
“Oh, so that’s why you’re here. I wondered,” Fallon said.
Right. It couldn’t be because she and Billy meant anything to each other. Apparently, Fallon was going to go ahead and pretend she didn’t realize it was Brooke in that photo with Billy kissing the breath out of him.
And why had Scott brought her here tonight anyway? Was he being passive-aggressive about the tank sampling? The Holidays were right in line with making Brooke feel small, insignificant and alone. And Mom hadn’t even had anything to do with it. Yet.
She scanned the room for signs of Mom, but didn’t see her. All she could see was Billy, coming toward her. Brooke’s heart sped up a little bit, like it did when she’d had an espresso. Was this what Ivey felt like when she saw Jeff?
It felt like a shot of adrenaline coursed through her body. Like she’d just run long enough to get a runner’s high. Oh, she didn’t like this feeling one bit. It could get addicting.
“Can I get you anything, babe?”
Brooke hadn’t expected this at all. Hadn’t expected him to be so— obvious.
Fallon squealed her surprise. She was one horrible actress. “Oh, so you two are— together? Wow. This is something. Do you remember how much you hated each other back in high school?”
Scott laughed. “My brother never hated anyone in his life. Well, except for reporters.”
Fallon tossed her hair and turned to Brooke. “You hated Billy. And all jocks. Don’t try to deny it now.”
“I won’t. But I’ve recently discovered that jocks have many ... redeeming qualities.” She threw Billy a significant look. “Like stamina.”
Scott laughed again.
Dang, she felt mean right now. She was definitely going to hell.
Billy grinned, kissed her neck and lingered. “I’m not done showing you all my redeeming qualities, either.”
His fingers trailed down her arm and then curled around her hand, squeezing it tight. Brooke could have sworn she felt her womb contract.
“You two need to get a room,” Scott said, then took a pull from his beer. “Huh, Fallon? What do you say?”
Fallon appeared speechless. Brooke had seen that particular look in someone’s eyes before. Specifically her own. Raw and unbridled envy. Pure and simple.
“Everyone! Dinner is served,” Eileen announced. “First, I have an announcement. Some unexpected but fantastic news.”
For the first time, Brooke noticed Giancarlo standing next to Eileen, proud as a peacock. Oh. No.
“We’re getting married!” She beamed at Giancarlo.
Billy stiffened beside Brooke , and let go of her hand. Both he and Scott said at once, “What?”
“Are you out of your mind?” Pop shouted from the other side of the room. “You’re too old to get married. And we have real problems now. Brooke’s mother helped me find the secret recipe, and that sonofabitch stiffed me again. From beyond the grave!”
Super. The Holidays would be awesome this year. They were already off to a great start.
Chapter 14
Billy couldn’t have heard right. Mom getting married? To Giancarlo? Since when had they been dating? Before he realized what he’d done, he’d dropped Brooke’s hand and moved towards Mom and Giancarlo. An explanation would be nice. Mom could do what she wanted with her life, but why spring marriage on the family at Thanksgiving dinner?
“What do you mean you’re getting married?” Wallace asked in his pissed off tone.
That’s when Billy realized that both of his brothers flanked him on either side. Which couldn’t be good for Giancarlo. He almost felt sorry for the man for a nanosecond.
“Look, just because I’m a woman of a certain age doesn’t mean I can’t be happy and in love again. It’s my second chance, boys.”
Giancarlo, who had to be a good decade younger that Mom, had a sappy look on his face. “Mine too.”
“Well, hell. Congrats. Welcome to the family.” Scott put down his beer bottle and embraced their mom. He shook Giancarlo’s hand.
“Mom, just a few weeks ago you were asking me about online dating. You’re moving a little too fast,” Billy said.
Mom laughed. “I didn’t need online dating. Thanks to Brooke, I’ve met the man of my dreams. I have to admit, I was a little shocked when he asked but somewhere between whipping the potatoes and stuffing the pie shell, I knew. I just knew.”
Billy froze. What did Brooke have to do with this? He’d asked her to talk to his mom about the menu, not fix her up. “Brooke introduced you?”
“Wasn’t she just here?” Mom asked, scanning the room.
Billy turned to where he’d left Brooke. She’d moved and now stood behind the eight-foot Ficus fern he’d given to Mom last Mother’s Day.
“Here she is,” Fallon said, pointing in the general direction of th
e potted plant.
Brooke emerged from behind the fern, scowling at Fallon. It couldn’t feel great to have every eye in the room on you, yet Brooke handled it, which made his chest pinch oddly.
“It’s true, I fixed them up. Dinner. I arranged for them to have dinner. I, for one, think they make a great couple.”
There was a ringing silence in the room. Brooke stood alone, chin tilted up slightly, and again, that strange pinching in his chest. He had the sudden incomprehensible urge to wrap his arms around her. He’d never been consciously aware of the desire to hug a woman before. A strange feeling. He’d wanted to touch Brooke a lot in the past few weeks, but not once had he thought about how much he wanted to hug her. Right now, she looked like she needed one.
Even though she’d lied to him. But if he was honest, he felt relief flood through him as he realized what she’d kept from him. It could have been worse.
Still, he didn’t like it. Brooke should have cleared this with him first.
“I think that’s such a loving thing to do.” Brooke’s mother stepped forward, and put her arm around her daughter.
“Yeah, it’s great. Now does anyone at all care about my problem?” Pop asked. He still stood waving around an index card.
“Let’s talk about that later,” Billy said.
“I agree,” Wallace piped up and turned to Giancarlo. “Seems like you two are rushing into things.”
“Listen to my boys, talking to me about rushing into things,” Eileen laughed. “Each one of you never listened to me when I told you to slow down with a decision. Because you always realized when a choice was right for you. Now please, give me the same respect.”
“Sorry to say, gentlemen, but your mother has a point. This is her business. Her decision,” Melinda said.
“Thank you, Melinda!” Mom said.
Had Mom taken leave of her senses? Getting married again, at her age? After Dad left, she’d never even dated anyone else. Now one date and she was engaged. How was he supposed to be okay with this? Or fine with the fact that Brooke had arranged it all? Without telling him?
Somebody Like You (Starlight Hill Series Book 2) Page 19
